Colorado’s Senators Call Virginia Violence "Domestic Terrorism"

Published Saturday, August 12, 2017

By Chris Sorensen

In a series of Twitter posts Saturday, Republican Colorado Senator Cory Gardner called ongoing violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, domestic terrorism and called on U.S. President Donald Trump to likewise call the incident terrorism.

Today's attack is not the result of "many sides"-- it's an act of domestic terrorism. @POTUS should explicitly denounce white supremacy.

Democrat Senator Michael Bennet likewise called upon the president to denounce the violent actions.

"Today's attack is not the result of 'many sides'-- it's an act of domestic terrorism. @POTUS should explicitly denounce white supremacy," said Bennet in one post to the social media network. Earlier in the day, Bennet stated, "The events in VA are contrary to all we stand for as a country. Embrace inclusion, celebrate differences--that's the America we believe in."

Mr. President - we must call evil by its name. These were white supremacists and this was domestic terrorism. https://t.co/PaPNiPPAoW

"Praying for those hurt & killed today in Charlottesville. This is nothing short of domestic terrorism & should be named as such," said Gardner in one post, adding, "Mr. President - we must call evil by its name. These were white supremacists and this was domestic terrorism."

Other Twitter users responded to Gardner with calls to back his words with actions, and questioned Gardner's past support for President Trump and his policies.

National media outlets are reporting that at least one person has died, and 19 others were injured Saturday when a car was driven into a crowd of counter-protesters demonstrating against a rally of white nationalists.

Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer stated, "I am heartbroken that a life has been lost here." The mayor then called upon "all people of good will" to go home.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency to, "aid state response to violence."

Earlier in the day, President Trump posted to his personal account, "We ALL must be united & condemn all that hate stands for. There is no place for this kind of violence in America. Lets come together as one!"

While calling for restoring law and order, the president has not referred to the violent acts during the demonstration as terrorism.

Gardner condemned the violence, stating, "The hate being spewed in Virginia has no place in this country. It's deeply disturbing and un-American."